CNG Truck Engulfed in Flames Sparks Panic in Ludhiana's Ghati Mohalla
Panic gripped the residents of Ghati Mohalla in Sunder Nagar, Ludhiana, on Sunday morning as loud explosions jolted them awake. The source of the commotion was a CNG truck that had become fully engulfed in flames, creating a terrifying scene for the local community.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Alerted by the sounds, residents stepping out of their homes witnessed the truck ablaze. The vehicle was loaded with foam used for filling mattresses, a highly flammable material that fueled the fire into a massive ball of flames. Fortunately, the driver managed to escape just in time before the fire spread completely through the vehicle.
People out on morning walks quickly raised the alarm, leading to a gathering of anxious locals awaiting the fire brigade. The proximity of the Sunder Nagar fire station proved crucial, with fire tenders reaching the spot within 4 to 5 minutes of being alerted.
Fire Brigade's Swift Action and Investigation
Fireman Ravinderjit Singh from the Sunder Nagar fire station reported receiving the emergency call at 6.14 am. Upon arrival, firefighters found the truck fully ablaze and immediately began dousing the flames using two fire tenders. It took nearly half an hour to bring the situation under control, though the truck was completely destroyed in the incident.
Singh indicated that the blaze is suspected to have started due to a short circuit in the overhead electricity wires passing through the area. This suspicion was corroborated by nearby residents who complained of a sudden short circuit that damaged AC compressors and other electrical appliances in the vicinity.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Safety Hazards
Locals from Ghati Mohalla expressed grave concerns about the low-hanging wires in the area, which they claim have been sparking frequently. They noted the presence of several hosiery units nearby, warning that had any of these caught fire, a major tragedy could have ensued.
Residents alleged that past incidents of sparking in the wires had been ignored, highlighting ongoing safety issues. The quick response of the fire brigade averted a potential disaster, given the flammable nature of the truck's cargo.
Key Points from the Incident:
- The foam used for mattresses is highly flammable, causing rapid fire spread.
- Fire brigade reached within 4–5 minutes from the nearby Sunder Nagar station.
- Fire call was received at 6.14 am; blaze controlled in about 30 minutes using two fire tenders.
- A short circuit in overhead wires is the suspected cause, with residents reporting electrical damage.
- Locals complained of low-hanging, sparking wires and similar past incidents being overlooked.
